As per Jeff's request, I am putting the Coker Tire company info here. Nice tires, though pricey. As I am building a DR-1, I am focused on the right tire size for that model. If you know the original tire size for your reproduction aircraft, then see what Coker has.
For a Fokker DR-1, go to the Coker Tire Company (
Coker Tire Company) and punch in the following part numbers:
The tires are 28 x 3 part no. 791923 Firestone smooth all gray clincher.
The tubes are for 28 x 3 motorcycle part no. 87090.
Before you mount the tubes and tires, wrap the rims with several layers of duct tape over the spoke nipples to protect the tubes. I used a 2 1/2" black gaffer's tape- better than duct- and it worked perfectly.
Always run these tires at the max. pressure listed on the sidewall to help prevent cracking- 65 lbs is what mine says.
Coker sells dressing that may help them to last longer. The white and gray tires deteriorate much faster than the black ones.
Rick Bennett can make the rims for you- look back at my photos on the DR-1 (Sands) Builder's site- the spoke angle on the outside is greater than the spokes on the inside- this is historically correct but not found on any motorcycle rim. Rex had a hard time finding the Harley Sportster rims that he needed for his Triplane but eventually did. I paid $1200 for my rims and almost $600 for my tires and tubes. If that doesn't scare you off, send me an email and I'll put you in touch with Rick. Again, his work is wonderful and worth every dime.
In the end, you don't have to have the historically correct style, but they look so cool you just can't resist wanting them. Yes, they will be covered so whatever solution you employ may be not be seen by the general public. Without going crazy, Ed & I are trying to keep some of the original details, though it will be hard to ignore that larger cowling housing our Lycoming engines. Certainly something we can "fix" later on.
Jim Bruton
